By Tim Bredrup
Ford teams up with Healthrageous, Microsoft, and BlueMetal Architects to develop “The Car That Cares”
Ford, Microsoft Corp. and Healthrageous are researching how connected devices can help people monitor and maintain health and wellness in real-time while inside their personal vehicles, in a nonintrusive manner. The prototype system developed by BlueMetal Architects leverages Ford SYNC technology, Microsoft HealthVault, Windows Azure and the interactive services provided by Healthrageous in conjunction with biometric measurement devices.
The driver can also provide voice inputs, detailing important aspects of his or her health routine — such as the amount of water consumed during the day, or what pills have been taken. The data received from the driver are then uploaded into the HealthVault cloud, as which point they are transferred to Windows Azure. The information is processed with other health data, which are used to create graphical reports the driver can access after having left the vehicle. press release | www.healthrageous.com | www.bluemetal.com
Practice Fusion’s total funding reaches $38 million thanks to Facebook’s former Director of Mobile
Practice Fusion, the fastest growing Electronic Medical Record (EMR) community, recently announced more than $2 million in additional funding to support the company’s continued growth in 2012. With over 130,000 medical professional users serving 29 million patients, the company has an aggressive growth strategy for the coming year including new free features to support physician and patients, the development of mobile apps for the iPhone and iPad, and Meaningful Use initiatives to help doctors earn up to $64,000+ in government incentives.
According to their website, Practice Fusion is currently developing a native mobile EMR application for both iOS and Android. The app will function as mobile medical offices providing physicians secure access to patient charts, lab results, refill requests and messaging on the go. Furthermore, an iPad specific EMR solution is also being developed with the help of Cooper, the country’s top usability design firm. The app utilizes an intuitive touchscreen and dictation-driven workflow and is being specifically designed to streamline the note taking process in the exam room. press release | www.practicefusion.com
